Amid Tensions With Saudi Arabia, Grim News for Iran’s Economy

The Saudis and Iranians are longtime rivals for regional dominance. They are fighting proxy wars in Syria and Iraq, as well as in Yemen, with the Sunni kingdom leading the military campaign against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. Amid the conflicts outside its borders, Saudi Arabia has been cracking down on dissent from restive Shiite citizens. It executed a prominent Shiite cleric, Nemer al-Nemer, on Saturday, along with 46 others–mostly Sunnis–accused of participating in al-Qaeda terrorist attacks in the kingdom.